Rich, ultra-creamy Chocolate Cashew Milk is a nutrient-rich, dairy-free chocolate milk that actually tastes indulgent. It’s naturally sweetened, super chocolaty, and made with whole ingredients you can feel great about! Plus? No straining required. Just blend and sip! It’s great in coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, etc.

Dairy-free chocolate milk

When I was a kid, chocolate milk was my entire personality. Yoohoo, Nesquik—you name it, I was gulping it down. Fast-forward to my early adult years when I became a barista—and of course my go-to coffee order always involved chocolate. But once I dove deeper into health and started studying holistic nutrition, I knew I needed to cut back on the added sugars and processed ingredients hiding in all my favorites. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with a dairy intolerance, which pushed me to finally create a cleaner, dairy-free chocolate milk recipe I could make at home!

Whether you’re plant-based, lactose-free, or just love a good chocolate drink, this recipe delivers all the nostalgic vibes of store-bought chocolate milk—without gums, fillers, artificial flavors or sweeteners, or added oils. Just simple, healthy ingredients that delivers truly the creamiest cashew milk you’ve ever had, while tasting even better than the store-bought stuff.

Recipe video

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cashew Milk

No soaking, no straining — Raw cashews blend into silky milk instantly without clumps!
Naturally sweetened — Sweetened with dates or maple syrup! No artificial sweeteners or refined sugar.
Thick + creamy — Cashews give it a luxurious, velvety finish that’s incredible.
Only 5 ingredients — And you probably already have them 😉
A source of healthy fats — Great for hormones and keeping you full and satisfied!
Better than store-bought — Clean ingredients, better flavor, way creamier!

Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Cashew Milk

Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy cashew chocolate milk:

Raw cashews
Hemp seeds – you can omit them, but they add tons of nutrients to the milk and add to the creaminess!
Filtered Water
Cocao powder – I love using raw cacao powder for it’s antioxidant properties, however Dutch-processed or regular both work as well!
Sweetener – Maple syrup, honey, dates, or monk fruit for a sugar-free option.
Vanilla extract – Adds warm flavor/depth.
Collagen – this is totally optional, but I love adding 1-2 scoops for a hair and skin boost! Collagen will not affect the flavor or texture of the milk.
Pinch of salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor! Don’t skip!

How to Make Chocolate Cashew Milk (Step-by-Step)

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
Blend on high for 45–60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
Tip: If your blender is lower-powered, soak cashews in warm water for 20 minutes first.
Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity.
Chill & serve over ice, with coffee, or warm it like hot chocolate. It’s great on it’s own too 😉

That’s it! No cheesecloth, nut bags, or strainers necessary (ultimately the BEST part!)

Healthy paleo, vegan mocha with homemade chocolate cashew milk.

Flavor Variations

Upgrade your chocolate cashew milk with one of these fun twists:

Mint Chocolate: Add ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract.
Protein Boost: Blend in 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
Spiced Hot Chocolate: Add cinnamon + a tiny pinch of cayenne.
Thick “Creamer” Version: Use 2 cups water instead of 4.

How to Store Homemade Cashew Milk

Store in an airtight glass jar for 3–4 days.
Shake before using—natural separation is normal.

Pro tip: Freeze in silicone molds to pop into smoothies!

How to enjoy chocolate cashew milk

Use in it coffees.
Add to oats, chia pudding, or cereal.
Freeze in cubes and pop into smoothies!
Drink straight up.
Warm it up for hot chocolate!

A jar of creamy dairy-free chocolate milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to soak cashews to make cashew milk?

Not if you’re using a high-speed blender. For regular blenders, a quick 20-minute soak helps. Simply soak them in hot water, drain, then use.

Can I use roasted cashews?

You can, but the milk won’t blend as smooth and may have a deeper, nutty flavor. I recommend using raw, unsalted, un-roasted.

Is chocolate cashew milk healthy?

Yes! It’s made from whole nuts, nutrient-rich hemp seeds, raw cacao powder, and natural sweetener, making it a nutrient-dense alternative to ultra-processed chocolate milks.

More healthy recipes to try

If you try this healthy cashew chocolate milk and love, it’d mean the world to me if you left a star rating & review below! If you make it, tag me on Instagram @danishealthyeats – I love to see your remakes!